January 14, 2026
From boutique shops and eclectic dining to museum tours and spectacular sunsets, take a look at all downtown Fernandina Beach has to offer, and then visit the Downtown Travel Guide to plan your day out. Sightseeing downtown is as easy as ABC…
Discover the rich history of Amelia Island with an Amelia Island Historic Tour. Set out in an air-conditioned minibus for a guided tour of Amelia Island and learn about different phases of local history from the Timucua Indians to the modern shrimping industry. If you love history, this is the tour for you.
The Book Loft is a charming two-story, independent bookstore offering fiction and non-fiction for all ages. Highlights include over 1,500 rare and signed books, the largest collection of pirate books, and a robust Florida and Georgia history section. With a dedicated children’s area and ongoing events like story hour, classes, and author signings, it’s a beloved literary gem.
If you’re looking for an eclectic and whimsical gift, unique island souvenir, toy, or beachtime read, the Cinnamon Bear has you covered. Additionally, they also have a great selection of delicious ice cream, slushies, gumball machines, and old-fashioned candies to add a little sweetness to your day.
For a special evening out, consider David’s Restaurant & Lounge. This elegant, darkly-lit, and upscale fine dining establishment specializes in steak and seafood with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. The cozy lounge, featuring a full bar, appetizer menu, and specialty martinis, is the perfect place to begin your dining experience.
Eight Flags Antique Market has been a staple in downtown Fernandina for over 30 years and is packed with treasures. You could easily spend an entire day wandering the aisles of this fabulous store and still not see everything. Old postcards, vinyl records, furniture, statues, light fixtures, vintage clothing, and more can be found in the various consignment booths.
Looking for a great date night spot? First Love Brewing checks all the boxes. With over 20 rotating taps, First Love offers a mix of porters, IPA’s, and ales that pair perfectly with their house-made artisan pizzas, wings, or truffle fries. Dine/drink at the bar or grab a table indoors or outdoors for more privacy.
Garden Street Bistro is a great little restaurant located on 3rd Street that serves breakfast and brunch all day, every day. Not only do they specialize in original menu items, but they also have incredible freshly baked daily bread, burgers, crab cakes, wraps, and daily specials. Sit inside or outside in the courtyard beneath wisteria vines and sip on a sparkling mimosa.
Because Amelia Island is known for eclectic and international dining options, stop in for a friendly smile and a bite to eat at Hola Cuban Café. Owners Chris Garcia and Marisol Triana pay homage to their families with delicious and authentic Cuban cuisine. Dine outside on the tree-covered patio and make sure to end your meal with a sweet Empanada and a cup of Cuban coffee.
Island Art Association is the perfect place to view works from more than 50 local exhibiting artists, ranging from photographers and sculptors to painters and jewelry makers. They also provide workshops for children and adults and host presentations and exhibits for all age groups. Plus, the outside of their building is super cool.
Speed your way into history, ecology, and non-stop fun with a waverunner tour from Jetski Amelia. Take control of your own adventure as you follow experienced guides on an action-packed journey through the island’s waterways. Look out for an array of Florida wildlife!
The Spice & Tea Exchange has more than 60 loose leaf teas and more than 85 custom spice blends made in house daily. Whether you’re a novice or an old pro in the kitchen, do yourself a favor and check this store out. In addition to spices, teas, sugars and salts, they also carry home and kitchen accessories that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Lost Dog Outfitters offers apparel, accessories, and gear for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring the wild places in between. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just getting started, their knowledgeable, adventure-loving team is passionate about outfitting all ages and skill levels with the right gear to help create unforgettable “wild” experiences.
For those seeking a fine dining experience with the bold and smoky flavors of Mexico, Mezcal is a must-visit. Located in the heart of downtown Fernandina, Mezcal is as beautiful inside as the food that comes out of the kitchen is delicious. You’ll find an array of dishes that celebrate the diverse flavors of Mexico – and an eclectic array of margaritzas as well.
Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop specializes in made-from-scratch cupcakes, cookies, pastries, pies, wedding cakes, milk shakes, macaroons, and so much more! Pop in during a day of shoppng, to sit a spell and take care of your “sweet tooth”. Get an assorted 12-pack of mini cupcakes to go!
Olive Amelia offers ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils, from mild to robust, and an array of infused and fused olive oils, in addition to fine balsamic vinegars aged using the Solera System for up to 18 years in chestnut, oak, mulberry and ash barrels. Perfect for your own top chef!
Paisley Grace Makery is a DIY art studio with over 750 projects to choose from. Whether it’s an epoxy pour, paint pour, free paint, or a charcuterie workshop, Paisley Grace will guide you through the steps of creating an artistic memory with friends/family that’s loads of fun. Plus, it’s an Amelia Island souvenir created by you, for you!
Quit wishing, let’s go fishing! is the motto at AC Charters. Capt. Allen has been fishing for over 40 years from the downtown docks of Fernandina Beach to Mexico and the Bahamas. For the last 30+ years he has been guiding right here at home from Backcountry to Blue Water. If you’re ready to hit the open seas for a day of fishing, give Capt. Allen a call or check out all the charter boat companies on Amelia Island.
In addition to a variety of pet-friendly restaurants where you can indulge in a meal with your pup by your side, Amelia Island understands that sometimes your pets need their very own shop for tasty treats, too! Pop into Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique, where they strive to find the finest selection of upscale boutique items, gifts, and accessories from all around the world!
Sand & Sage Mystic Shoppe features all-natural and holistic products to support wellness, beauty, and spiritual exploration. Offerings include organic herbs and tinctures, natural skincare and hygiene products, crystals and ritual tools, artisan gifts and jewelry, and a customizable fragrance bar. The shop also hosts on-site experiences such as tarot readings, and Reiki healing.
Twisted Table isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a family kitchen! The menu is filled with dishes made from the heart and crafted with love, passion, and treasured family recipes. Whether you’re here for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, each bite feels like it was made just for you. At Twisted Table, it doesn’t feel like eating out, it feels like coming home.
The sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean and sets over the Intracoastal Waterway, creating stunning and photo-worthy sunsets, and downtown Fernandina Beach is the perfect location to catch one. Order a dozen oysters and a glass of wine from the upstairs deck of Salty Pelican. And wait. Watch the sun set over the Fernandina Harbor and take that memory home with you.
Greet the morning with doughnuts and coffee from Vintage Donuts, located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. These aren’t your average doughnuts. It all starts with a made-from-scratch vanilla cake doughnut… then a chosen icing, followed by a topping and finally a drizzle to finish it off. Yummm!
Go nuts over Watanut for the best gourmet nuts, pralines, and made-from-scratch-daily pecan shortbread cookies. Need a corporate gift to wow your customers and employees? Watanut offers tins of gourmet nut gifts and cookies to spread your appreciation.
You can’t come to an island in Florida and not wonder about pirate hidden treasure, right? Local legend has it that somewhere in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, there is unclaimed buried treasure marked by a chain hanging from a big oak tree (the “money tree”). The only problem is the tree and the chain vanish before folks can begin digging! Take that info and run (or dig) with it.
Try a yoga class at Centred On Yoga. Ashtanga, Gentle Flow (non-heated) classes, Restorative Candlelight, Prenatal Yoga, and Yoga Nidra are just a few of the classes offered. Or, find flexibility, long held poses, and mindful breath in candlelight yin yoga held at Community Yoga + Wellness.
Bloody Mary. A delicious cocktail containing vodka, tomato juice, and other spices and zingy, zesty flavorings. Many of the downtown bars and restaurants serve this famous drink and some could literally be a meal. The pictured bloody mary comes from the Palace Saloon but other tomatoey concoctions can be found at Leddy’s Porch/Mermaid Bar, The Salty Pelican, The Boat House, Marlin & Barrel (they made the above pictured vodka), and Scully’s. Makes you thirsty, doesn’t it?
And there you have it. The A, B, C’s of downtown Fernandina Beach! Book your stay with us soon.
Ring in the New Year on Amelia Island and enjoy championship level football at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. It’s a win win!
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